Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay: Day Cruise, Kayak Caves & Fishing Village

Summary

Kayak secret caves swim quiet lagoons meet Cai Beo locals taste fresh seafood

You’ll float through Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay’s quieter waters by boat and kayak, slip into hidden caves, swim at empty beaches, and meet locals in Cai Beo fishing village. With lunch served onboard and pickup included, this day trip is full of small surprises — maybe even one you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the light bounced off the water as we left Cat Ba for Lan Ha Bay — kind of silvery, with those limestone cliffs just sitting there like they’d been waiting all morning. Our guide, Hieu, grinned as he handed out life jackets (“Don’t worry, you’ll need your arms more than these”), and I could smell something briny and a bit sweet from the fishing boats clustered around Cai Beo village. We drifted past houses on stilts where a woman waved at us with a plastic ladle. I tried to wave back but nearly dropped my phone in the water — classic me.

Kayaking was next. The bay felt almost too quiet except for the slap of paddles and someone’s laugh echoing under a rock arch. We slipped into Bat Cave (Hieu called it “Hang Doi” — Li laughed when I tried to say it in Vietnamese), then into Bright Cave where everything turned greenish and cool. There was this weird hush inside, like even the birds were holding their breath. After that we paddled out to a lagoon so calm you could see every ripple from our hands. I didn’t expect to feel so small out there, but it was kind of nice.

Lunch on the boat was loud in a good way — clinking chopsticks, Hieu telling stories about growing up near Cat Ba, plates of fish that tasted like they’d jumped straight from the bay onto our table. Someone asked if swimming was safe here and Hieu just grinned again (“Safer than crossing Hanoi traffic”). So we jumped off the boat at Three Peach Beach — cold shock at first, then just floating under that big blue sky. Later we stopped by a floating fish farm; an old man showed us his nets and made a joke about tourists being easier to catch than squid. The sun started dropping behind Turtle Islet but nobody wanted to go back yet.

I still think about that last bit on deck with coffee and cake while Cat Ba slid back into view — everyone quiet for once, just watching the water turn gold. It’s funny how you can be surrounded by strangers in Lan Ha Bay and still feel like you belong for a day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day cruise and activities in Lan Ha Bay

• Pick up from hotel or office
• Cruise southern Lan Ha Bay
• Visit Cai Beo fishing village
• Pass border to Ha Long Bay
• Kayak through Dark, Bat, Bright caves
• Swim in calm lagoon
• Lunch on boat
• Relax on sundeck cruising eastern Lan Ha Bay
• See Pen, Sailing, Frog, Turtle islets
• Swim and snorkel at Three Peach beach
• Visit local fish farm
• Enjoy happy ending party with cake, coffee, tea
• Return to Cat Ba town

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Lan Ha Bay day cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup is available from Cat Ba or Hanoi before heading to Beo pier.

How many people are on the boat during this cruise?

The group is limited to 35 people maximum per boat for a less crowded experience.

What activities are included on this Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay tour?

You’ll kayak through caves, swim at secluded beaches, visit Cai Beo fishing village, stop by a fish farm, and enjoy lunch onboard.

Are entrance fees and kayaking equipment included?

Yes, all entrance fees plus kayak rental and safety gear are included in your booking.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes, lunch is served onboard with fresh seafood options as well as chicken, vegetables, and vegetarian choices.

Can infants join this cruise?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is swimming allowed during the tour?

Yes, there are stops for swimming at calm lagoons and beaches such as Three Peach Beach.

How long does this full-day cruise last?

The tour lasts approximately one full day including transfers from Cat Ba or Hanoi.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Cat Ba or Hanoi (or meeting at their office), all entrance fees for Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay sights, use of kayaks plus safety gear like life jackets and headlights for cave exploring, snorkeling equipment if you want it, and a generous lunch with fresh seafood (or vegetarian options). There’s also coffee and snacks served on deck before heading back in the evening.